What is rimantadine?

Is rimantadine used for Swine Flu?

No. There are only two of the four anti-viral medications currently on the market that have proven effective in treating A-H1N1/09 (Swine Flu). If caught early, oseltamivir (Tamiflu/Fluvir) and zanamivir (Relenza) are effective. Tamiflu must be taken within 48 hours of the first symptoms of the flu. The Swine Flu (09) is resistant to the other two drugs, amantadine and rimantadine.For additional information see the related question below "How is Swine Flu treated?"

Can you give me the Names of antiviral drugs?

Antiviral Medications lessen the severity of symptoms and stop virus reproduction to speed recovery:The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) information says that A-H1N1/09 virus (the swine flu) can be treated if caught very early with two of the currently available anti-viral medications oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza).Tamiflu is for treatment in adults and children aged 1 year and older, and must be taken within 48 hours of the first symptom.=== === There are currently 4 types of antiviral drugs that are licensed for use in the US for the treatment of influenza: Amantadine, Rimantadine, Oseltamivir and Zanamivir. While most swine influenza viruses have been susceptible to these drugs, the most recent swine-flu viruses isolated from humans, are resistant to Amantadine and Rimantadine. None of these drugs prevent us from getting the virus like a vaccine would, but can lesson the severity of the symptoms and dramatically shorten their duration when given at the right timing in relation to exposure.TAMIFLU UPDATE JULY 31, 2009 Tamiflu Side Effects in ChildrenAccording to research from the European Programme for Intervention Epidemiology Training and colleagues from the Health Protection Agency (HPA) in London which was published in Eurosurveillance, the peer-reviewed journal of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, children are having neuropsychiatric side effects from Tamiflu such as nightmares, inability to concentrate, insomnia, and slight confusion.The article at the NHS web site (link is provided to the full article in the related links section below), states:". . . more than half of children taking Tamiflu to combat swine flu suffer side effects such as nausea, insomnia and nightmares," said The Daily Telegraph. It also said the study suggests that one in five children who took part reported having a neuropsychiatric side effect."

Do you use antiviral drugs for respiratory virus infections?

Most antiviral drugs must be started within 40 - 48 hours of the first signs of the flu for most efficacy. These drugs reduce the severity and duration of the symptoms, but do not actually "cure" the flu, that job must be done by your immune system.There are two types of of antiviral agents, the first one is the adamantanes, such as amantadine (Symmetrel®) and rimantadine (Flumadine®). Adamantanes are useful only for influenza type A infections. The second type of antiviral agents are the neuraminidase inhibitors, such as zanamivir (Relenza®) and oseltamivir (Tamiflu®, 1999).Approximately 80% of the circulating strains of flu viruses typical in a flu season are influenza type A virus H1N1. These types can be treated with adamantanes and zanamivir, but are resistant and cannot be treated with oseltamavir. Sometimes many of the circulating strains can be resistant to antivirals, but usually one type will work. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides information each year about the expected strains of flu coming in the next season and which antiviral drugs will be best to treat them.Influenza type A virus H3N2 strains can be treated with oseltamavir and zanamivir, but are resistant to adamantanes.As for influenza type B strains, they can be treated with oseltamavir, zanamivir; but are resistant, and cannot be treated with adamantanes.In addition, for unvaccinated patients the recommended drug for influenza B exposure is oseltamivir, and the recommended drug for influenza A exposure or unknown subtype are zanamivir OR oseltamivir + rimantadine.

What microbe is the spanish influenza?

The flu (influenza), is caused by influenza viruses. There are three types of influenza viruses, designated Type A, B, and C. Types A and B are common types of seasonal flu in humans, while C is less frequent in humans. Influenza A is the type of flu virus which gives rise to all worldwide pandemics seen every once in a while, such as 'Spanish flu' after the First World War and 'Swine flu' H1N1/09 which we've seen recently. Some scientists technically do not characterize viruses as living micro-organisms because they are actually sub-microscopic and do not carry out the full range of processes which define a living organism. The study of viruses (virology) is commonly categorized under microbiology (the study of micro-organisms) which can be confusing. They are completely dependent on a living host in order to replicate since they are not technically "alive" and do not have the materials and processes to do their own reproduction.

What is the name for the anti-viral medicine for swine flu?

The CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir (Tamiflu) or zanamivir (Relenza), both anti-viral medications for the treatment and/or prevention of infection by swine influenza viruses. These Antiviral drugs work by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in your body. The best way to avoid the symptoms of the flu is to get vaccinated so you can't catch it in the first place. But if you do get the flu, then ask your doctor about these two of the anti-viral medications. They have proven safe and effective to speed the recovery and lessen the severity of symptoms. They have been underutilized in general by ordering physicians and could make you feel much better much faster.,

How do you treat someone with influenza?

As everyone knows: Drink fluids and get plenty of rest in bed, just like momma said.Over-the-counter medicines can help you treat the symptoms. Ask your pharmacist for recommendations for your specific symptoms. However, some symptoms are important in actually fighting off a virus. They shouldn't necessarily be prevented. A good example is that you'll feel tired when you're sick with a cold or flu. That's because your body is using its energy to fight the virus and it is your body telling you to take it easy for a while. Don't force yourself to be active, feeling tired is a sign that your body needs the rest.Another example is that a fever is your body's way of trying to kill viruses in a hotter-than-normal environment. Thus, if you endure a moderate fever for a day or two, you may actually get well faster.Coughing is another symptom that can be helpful in getting over colds or flu. In moderation, it clears your breathing passages of thick mucus that can carry germs to your lungs and the rest of your body. Cough medicines and other preparations that have expectorant effects, like those containing guaifenesin (Robitussin, Mucinex), help produce effective coughing.A stuffy nose is also best treated mildly or not at all. Decongestants restrict blood flow in your nose and throat. Instead, you want increased blood flow because it carries blood cells and "fighters" to the infected area and carries away the waste products of the fight from the area including "dead" viruses and cells to be eliminated from your body.Blowing your nose gently can help avoid sniffling the mucus back into your head or swallowing post nasal drip. But an even better way to clear the rhinorrhea (runny nose) is to use saline nasal spray to wash the nasal passages (available in the drug stores).Some suggested remedies (see also the related questions below for more):You may be able to prevent and/or cure secondary infections and thereby reduce the severity and duration of the cold or flu if you place 2 or 3 drops of Oregano oil in your mouth every few hours.There are indications that vitamin C taken on a regular basis can help prevent colds. If you do get one, increasing your intake of vitamin C for the first three to four days seems to help speed recovery.

What causes avian influenza?

DefinitionAvian influenza is flu infection in birds. The virus that causes the bird infectin can change (mutate) to infect humans. Such mutation could start a deadly worldwide epidemic.Alternative NamesBird flu; H5N1Causes, incidence, and risk factorsThe first avian influenza virus to infect humans occurred in Hong Kong in 1997. The epidemic was linked to chickens and classified as avian influenza A (H5N1).Human cases of avian influenza A (H5N1) have since been reported in Asia, Africa, Europe, Indonesia, Vietnman, the Pacific, and the near East. Hundreds of people have become sick with this virus. Slightly more than 60% of those who became ill have died.The more the avian flu virus spreads, the greater the chances of a worldwide outbreak in humans. There is a tremendous concern that H5N1 poses an enormous pandemic threat.The following people have a higher risk for developing the bird flu:Farmers and others who work with poultryTravelers visiting affected countriesThose who touch an infected birdThose who eat raw or undercooked poultry meat, eggs, or blood from infected birdsHealth care workers and household contacts of patients with avian influenza may also be at an increased risk of the bird flu.The avian flu virus (H5N1) has been shown to survive in the environment for long periods of time. Infection may be spread simply by touching contaminated surfaces. Birds who were infected with this flu can continue to release the virus in their feces and saliva for as long as 10 days.SymptomsSymptoms of avian flu infection in humans depend on the strain of virus.Infection with the H5N1 virus in humans causes typical flu-like symptoms, which might include:Cough (dry or productive)DiarrheaDifficulty breathingFever greater than 100.4°F (38°C)HeadacheMalaiseMuscle achesRunny noseSore throatSigns and testsIf you think you have been exposed to avian influenza, call your health care provider before your visit. This will give the staff a chance to take proper precautions that will protect them and other patients during your office visit.Tests to identify the avian flu exist but are not widely available. A test for diagnosing strains of bird flu in people suspected of having the virus gives preliminary results within 4 hours. Older tests took 2 to 3 days.Your doctor might also perform the following tests:Auscultation(to detect abnormal breath sounds)Chest x-rayNasopharyngeal cultureWhite blood cell differentialOther tests may be done to look at the functions of your heart, kidneys, and liver.TreatmentDifferent types of avian flu virus may cause different symptoms. Therefore, treatment may vary.In general, treatment with the antiviral medication oseltamivir (Tamiflu) or zanamivir (Relenza) may make the disease less severe if you start taking the medicine within 48 hours after your symptoms start.Oseltamivir may also be prescribed for persons who live in the same house as those diagnosed with avian flu.The virus that causes human avian flu appears to be resistant to the antiviral medicines amantadine and rimantadine. Therefore these medications should not be used if an H5N1 outbreak occurs.People with severe infection may need to be placed on a breathing machine. Experts recommend that persons diagnosed with avian flu be put in isolation.Doctors recommend that people get an influenza (flu) shot to reduce the chance of an avian flu virus mixing with a human flu virus, which would create a new virus that may easily spread.The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved a vaccine to protect humans from the avian flu. Experts say the vaccine could be used if the current H5N1 virus starts spreading between people.Expectations (prognosis)The outlook depends on the severity of infection and the type of avian influenza virus that caused it. Death is possible.ComplicationsAcute respiratory distressOrgan failurePneumoniaSepsisCalling your health care providerCall your health care provider if you develop flu-like symptoms within 10 days of handling infected birds or traveling to an area with a known avian flu outbreak.PreventionAt this time, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has no recommendations against travel to the countries affected by H5N1 .However, travelers should avoid visits to live-bird markets in areas with an avian flu outbreak. People who work with birds who might be infected should use protective clothing and special breathing masks. Avoiding undercooked or uncooked meat reduces the risk of exposure to avian flu and other foodborne diseases.Current information regarding avian flu is available at www.cdc.gov/flu/avian/outbreaks/current.htm.ReferencesTreanor JJ. Influenza viruses, including avian influence and swine influenza. In: Mandell GL, Bennett JE, Dolin R, eds. Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone; 2009:chap 165.US Food and Drug Administration. FDA Approves First U.S. Vaccine for Humans Against the Avian Influenza Virus H5N1. Rockville, MD: National Press Office; April 17, 2007. Release P07-68Levin S. Zoonoses. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 349.Hayden FG. Influenza. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 387.Ferri FF. Avian influenza. In: Ferri FF, ed. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2010. 1st ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2009:section 1.Reviewed ByReview Date: 02/01/2011Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

How do antibiotic resistant strains develop?

A virus or bacteria multiply more rapidly and use energy from the body's healthy cells. They also can mimic healthy cells, or create more virulent strains during reproduction of cells. This may challenge immune system responses, and thus fever, sore muscles, and fatigue develop. Here a doctor will prescribe an antiobiotic, to shorten the duration of the achiness, tired muscles, and fever. Frequently a bacteria is not the root cause of illness but a virus is, and viruses do not respond to antibiotics. They may reproduce rapidly, and eventually mutate into new strains, particularly if taking antibiotics that do not cure or halt them. Because antibiotics, and even antibacterial soaps, cleansers and the like have been used so widely, the mutatiions or reproductions have been able to become stronger and more deadly. This has caused the outbreak of MRSA, to develop, which is a community wide bacteria.Until more advanced solutions come along, people are sticking to tried-and-true advice any doctor would offer: Wash your hands, and wash them often.

How is Swine Flu treated?

There is no cure for flu viruses. The different methods of treatment of Swine Flu include:Symptomatic Treatment:In addition to the prevention with a vaccine, and treatment with anti-viral medications (see more below), the flu is treated symptomatically withmedications (usually over-the-counter medications), and other symptom-relieving measures. Antibiotics do nothing for the flu viruses, antibiotics are only for bacterial infections and do not work for viral infections like swine flu.There are products to treat the specific signs and symptoms of the individual, such as anti-emetics for vomiting and medications to treat diarrhea, analgesics for the aches and pains, fever reducers, and other typical medications for cold and flu symptoms. The typical symptoms of H1N1/09 are similar to all viral influenza infections.Swine flu symptoms often include:Fever.Cough.Sore throat.Muscle and joint pain.Shortness of breath.Nausea and vomiting.Diarrhea.Treatment is relative to the severity of the symptoms and the symptoms can vary from person to person. In most cases, treatment is the same as it is for the seasonal flu. STAY HOME, REST, DRINK MORE LIQUIDS, Motrin or similar for fever and aches, and perhaps over the counter flu or cold medicines forcomfort. Eating healthy foods is also important.An antibiotic may be prescribed to treat secondary bacterial infections such as bronchitis or pneumonia, but this is usually not needed. Other treatments can include anti viral medications prescribed by your doctor. In severe cases, hospitalization may be required for respiratory support and IV medications, but these complications are not the norm.Do not give aspirin for fever to children or teens. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):Aspirin or aspirin-containing products should not be administered to any person aged 18 years old and younger with a confirmed or suspected case of influenza virus infection, due to the risk of Reye syndrome.Avoid dehydration:When the symptoms include fever with increased perspiration, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, one of the most important treatments would be replenishing lost fluids by drinking plenty of water, or if tolerated, sports drinks. If drinking fluids is not tolerated, contact a health care provider to see if anti-emetics (medicines for vomiting) are needed. You may need medicines for the fever or diarrhea. Sometimes other forms of replacement of fluids may be necessary. Dehydration is a serious complication of viral disease, especially in the elderly or very young.Other simple measures to make you feel better:Proper hydration as mentioned above, a good diet (with supplements such as Vitamin C if needed), and proper rest can help boost the immune system and are also important.Showers and baths can be comforting for aching muscles and joints and for more humidity for inflamed mucous membrane tissue.Use facial tissue with lotion in it to help relieve a sore red nose from the runny nose, or apply scent-free baby lotion or even petroleum jelly (Vaseline) to your sore nose.Continue to follow all advice of the CDC and WHO for preventing the spread of this H1N1/09 flu and other flu viruses, such as frequent hand washing and good etiquette and control of spread of the flu using tissues for coughs and sneezes. Keep aware of the updates and announcements from those organizations and your local government health entities.Antiviral Medications to lessen the severity of symptoms, stop virus reproduction, and to speed recovery:The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) information says that the swine flu can be treated if caught very early with two of the anti-viral medications oseltamivir (Tamiflu/Fluvir) and zanamivir (Relenza).Tamiflu is for treatment in adults and children aged 1 year and older, and should be taken within 48 hours of the first symptom for maximum effect, however, your health care professional can determine if it is appropriate to start this treatment even after that date, so contact them for advice if you have been exposed or have symptoms.There are currently 4 types of antiviral drugs that are licensed for use in the US for the treatment of influenza: Amantadine, Rimantadine, Oseltamivir and Zanamivir. While most swine influenza viruses have been susceptible to these drugs, the most recent swine-flu viruses isolated from humans, are resistant to Amantadine and Rimantadine.None of these drugs prevent us from getting the virus, but can lessen the severity of the symptoms and shorten their duration.If prescribed within the first 40 hours of symptoms, Tamiflu can also be used to prevent the H1N1/09 virus, in some cases. It is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for this prophylactic (preventive) use. It can also be used for prescription to other members of a household, when one person is known to have the influenza, to prevent the rest from getting it.It is not a substitute for proper preventive hygiene techniques and other recommended ways to avoid getting the swine flu and should be used in combination with these measures when prescribed.October 2009:The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have approved three flu shot vaccines and one nasal mist vaccine for use in the US. The vaccines are now being distributed within the states by the local state governments, and provided to those at highest risk of complications first (e.g., pregnant women and children over 6 months old or those caring for these infants who cannot take the vaccines, etc.).Pregnant women and parents of young children should be proactive in finding where and when they can get their vaccinations. The risk of the flu, especially in these groups is much higher than any perceived risks of getting the vaccination.Contact your healthcare provider to determine if you fall into any of the first groups who will be offered the vaccine. If you plan to get the vaccination as recommended, ask your PCP (Primary Care Provider) if the shot or the mist is most appropriate for your use. They should be able to tell you how and where to get the immunization. But local news sources should also be announcing that to the public when this process of distribution is begun in your area. (See also the related questions below about which type of vaccine is best for different groups of people.)Other flu treatments in experimental trials:One of the most encouraging developments for all future flu and viral infections, is the "cure" or treatment currently in animal trials, that, unlike current antiviral medications, approaches the attack on the virus in a new way that can not only disable the specific strain of virus, but also prevent it from future mutations (that can allow it to be resistant to the treatment after it makes those modifications).Current antiviral medications affect the chemical "keys" on the viruses' coats to prevent them from attaching to the host cells. The current problem is that the virus can continue to mutate and adjust to chemically change its protein coating and render the anti-viral medication ineffective. The new approach attacks the virus at the stem, instead of at the protein coating. The stem is unable to mutate to a resistant version. The new drug is expected to work on the most deadly of current viral strains. *The manufacturer of the new antiviral treatment has announced that they hope to have the human trials completed and the medication in production in not too long, if all goes well in the current animal trials.Common Cold Vaccine Development--Not yet:Unfortunately, at least the first product being developed, that is mentioned above, is not expected to be effective against the rhinovirus (one of the most prolific viruses that cause the common cold). While it is anticipated by the manufacturer to be effective against our most deadly types of viruses, it is not being targeted to treat the rhino-viruses. We may continue to suffer future sniffles, for a while longer... but this can also be a good thing. It is an advantage to keep our immune systems "tuned" through battle with the more minor viral strains anyway. We are steps closer than ever to the cure for the common cold, though.Prevention is the best medicine! See additional information at the sites listed in the related links section below, and in the related questions, for techniques you can utilize to reduce the prospect of contracting the virus.TAMIFLU UPDATE JULY 31, 2009Tamiflu Side Effects in ChildrenAccording to research from the European Programme for Intervention Epidemiology Training and from colleagues from the Health Protection Agency (HPA) in London, which was published in Eurosurveillance (the peer-reviewed journal of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control), a small number of children are having neuropsychiatric side effects from Tamiflu such as nightmares, inability to concentrate, insomnia, and slight confusion.The article at the NHS web site (link is provided to the full article in the related links section below), states:'. . . more than half of children taking Tamiflu to combat swine flu suffer side effects such as nausea, insomnia and nightmares,' said The Daily Telegraph. It also said the study suggests that one in five children who took part reported having a neuropsychiatric side effect.However, this has been proven to be a limited complication and only in that age group.none yet I'm scaredsupposedly if you get a weak strain of swine flu you will become immune to even the more powerful strainsPS: GET YOUR SHOT!!!!!

What is rimantadine?

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What are the indications for Rimantadine?

Is rimantadine used for Swine Flu?

How do you use antiviral Swine Flu medicine?

Can you give me the Names of antiviral drugs?

Do you use antiviral drugs for respiratory virus infections?

What are some antiviral Swine Flu treatments?

What microbe is the spanish influenza?

What is the name for the anti-viral medicine for swine flu?

How do you treat someone with influenza?

What causes avian influenza?

How do antibiotic resistant strains develop?

How is Swine Flu treated?

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